SIALKOT: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation and Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) will launch joint operations against smugglers in Gujranwala Division soon after Eid ul Fitar.
Reportedly, Customs Intelligence Director General Imtiaz Ahmad directed the officials to launch anti-smuggling operations jointly in the region.
Officials said that both departments of the customs will share information regarding the smuggling attempts in the region and carry out joint raids to bust the smuggling that is bringing huge losses to the national exchequer. Such measures will definitely weed out the menace of smuggling in the region, they added.
The customs officials have planned to carry out operations in Gujranwala division where a focus will be put on Azad Jammu and Kashmir Road, Sialkot Working Boundary Line and Grand Trunk (GT) Road in order to keep an eye on the smugglers and their activities, they added. The customs teams will start patrolling on various routes to capture smuggled good.
The officials said that the joint operation of the Customs ASO and Customs Intelligence will work hard to curb smuggling in Gujranwala. Government has also decided to equip the ASO and Customs Intelligence staff with latest weapons to overcome uncertain situation, they informed. The government will also provide new vehicles to the staff for patrolling the areas and chase the non-duty paid vehicles and goods.
The ASO and Customs Intelligence had made various seizures in joint operations in the region, they said, adding that now their joint operations will be organised properly by developing an information-sharing system.
Federal Board of Revenue Customs Member Nasir Masroor and Customs Intelligence Director General are determined to eliminate the smuggling; therefore, they have issued instructions to take stern actions against the smugglers, the officials said.
